May 23, 2018 10 AM - 3 PM

John Ball Zoo is celebrating World Turtle Day on May 23. There will be opportunities to get to know our turtles and tortoises through activity and education stations throughout the Zoo. You can learn how your actions have an impact on the wild turtle populations and John Ball Zoo's conservation efforts. There will also be opportunities to sponsor an African Spurred Tortoise through our Animal Sponsorship Program: Animals! Animals! and a much more.

Our African Spurred Tortoise are fed a variety of produce daily.
They get berries, tomatoes, and other fruits as special treats!
Did you know it costs $50 to feed one of our tortosies per year?
By supporting the Zoo, we can save and protect wildlife around the globe.
John Ball Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Please consider donating on World Turtle Day at the Zoo to support the care of our animals and of those in the wild!* Mini turtle plush free with donation

The Zoo is committed to protecting native species in the wild. Box turtles are a designated species of special concern in Michigan. They are easily identified by their domed, tortoise-like shell and yellow or orange markings. For the past year and a half the Zoo has been tracking a pair of box turtles in the park with radio transmitters. Did you know road mortality is a major problem for turtle populations? Please watch out for turtle crossings when you're at the Zoo and out in our community! Learn more about the John Ball Zoo’s Field Conservation Projects.